Eating Healthier in the New Year
An interview with Caroline Marie Dupont, written by Lisa Levstein

The ageless truth is that you are what you eat. The food we consume, the water we drink and the way we live our lives are key elements in the over all health of our bodies.   

Reports on controversial weight-loss diets, food chain disorders, and growing food sensitivities permeate the media. In the midst of this is a growing consumer interest in making healthier food choices for ourselves, and our families, coupled with a burgeoning preference for organic and natural foods. For some, seeking counsel from a holistic nutritionist may be the first conscious step towards balancing dietary intake.  

Holistic nutritionists understand that diets must be as individual as the people following them. However, incorporating fresh raw foods into your diet, and eating organically, of course, is almost universally beneficial. Organic fruits and vegetables are great detoxifiers, cleansing the body of harmful matter. Detoxification is a natural health-preserving strategy, which helps remove harmful toxins from the cells and tissues, restoring their normal functions.  

“Conventional foods today are laced with chemicals and additives, and are sorely lacking in nutrients,” says Caroline Marie Dupont, M.Sc., holistic nutritionist. “Ideally, organic fruits and vegetables should make up 70% of a person’s diet; the balance can be proteins and carbohydrates such as grains, legumes, meats, nuts and seeds. But, you can start slowly, by replacing at least one processed item with raw fresh food every meal.”  

Good choices may include a morning drink consisting of fresh pressed juice (50% fruit/50% vegetables - mainly green vegetable based), plus some ripe fruit later in the morning, and eating a large green salad at lunch or dinner.   

“For optimal nutritional results, fruit should be eaten alone, as simply as possible,” counsels Caroline.  

Broadly speaking, holistic nutritionists believe there are three major categories of “healing foods”. The first category is made up of antioxidant-rich foods and drinks, e.g. oranges, cauliflower, peas, red wine and tea. John Hopkins Medical Institutions and other reputable research organizations are studying these foods for their ability to prevent the unwanted oxidation process in the early stages of diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

The second category is composed of foods that contain essential fatty acids, such as certain cold-pressed vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, and fish. These help protect our blood vessels from the effects of cholesterol, help lower blood pressure, nourish the brain, and protect the cardiovascular system.  

The third category of foods that are very important for prevention, maintenance, and the reestablishment of health consist of foods that are rich in fiber. These include whole grain breads, pastas, rice, cereals, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. High-fiber foods help protect our gastrointestinal tract, keep us regular and ward off deadly diseases like colon cancer. 

Your mindset throughout this process is critical. If you are “denying” yourself, it will be harder to keep to your new dietary regimen. Be joyful in your choices. 

Here are some helpful tips to get started: 

·         Develop a variety of tasty and satisfying menu items that you really enjoy eating.

·         Make healthy eating a culinary adventure by trying new foods.

·         Taking holistic nutrition cooking courses. Typically you’ll experience 8 – 9 new recipes.

·         Listen to your body. Start noticing the after effects of eating different foods. Do you have more or less energy? Do you have mood swings? Do you feel lighter or heavier? How are your bowel movements? Is your skin clearer?

·         Navigate the supermarket with assurance. Seek out a holistic nutritionist to go food shopping with you.

·         Get a juicer and experiment with a variety of fresh pressed juices.

·         Drink more water. Do a taste test with different brands and find your favourite. 

To start off, you may want to consider a fruit and vegetable cleanse. Replace meats, baked goods, and dairy with fruits and vegetables for 2 days. See how you feel.  As always, before starting any radical change, please obtain appropriate counsel from a trained professional and check with your healthcare practitioner. 

Nutrition is one of the most powerful ways to develop a healthy body, mind and spirit. 

Take the power back into your own hands and adopt a new approach to eating healthy. 

The benefits are worth it! 

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Caroline Marie Dupont holds a Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology, a Black Belt in the NIA Technique (a holistic fitness approach), is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, and has studied various forms of energy field balancing. Through her company Health & Beyond, she works with clients individually as a Holistic Health Practitioner using mainly energy work and nutrition, teaches NIA classes, whole-foods preparation, and presents on various health-related topics. She teaches for the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and for Seneca College's Holistic Health Program, which she developed. 

Email Caroline Marie Dupont at: cmdupont@sympatico.ca